Willing & Able

March 1, 2011

Here is an album of soul music — pure, simple and direct — by “ one of the best singers to record in the 1990s. From Lafayette, “ Louisiana, the late Dalton Reed sang with urgency and promise, “ balancing the caramel smoothness of his middle register with “ enough soul-shouting grit to bring out the best in any song. “ Here also is a showcase for great new material from Dan Penn, “ Bonnie Hayes, Jonnie Barnett, Ellis Hall and others. The “ supporting band includes many of the best musicians in the South “ today.